This column is written for those interested in learning about the world of Data for Good, where statistical analysis is dedicated to good causes that benefit our lives, our communities, and our world. If you would like to know more or have ideas for articles, contact David Corliss.

With a PhD in statistical astrophysics, David Corliss leads a data science team at Fiat Chrysler. He serves on the steering committee for the Conference on Statistical Practice and is the founder of Peace-Work, a volunteer cooperative of statisticians and data scientists providing analytic support for charitable groups and applying statistical methods in issue-driven advocacy.

Data for Good today addresses a vast number of concerns using all types of statistical methods, yet the work needed to support its goals includes more than mathematics. In February, we talked about the importance of organizing and managing projects and my view that huge growth recently has given the D4G community “growing pains.” This month underscores another critical but nonmathematical dimension of Data for Good: advocacy. All of us have opportunities to tell others about D4G, promote the work, speak well of those engaged in it, and promote participation to our network of colleagues.

It’s unusual for an organization doing good to have a bad reputation; often, groups don’t get much of a reputation at all. Maybe people have heard about them and maybe not, but most don’t know much about their mission and how they work. Data for Good often faces this kind of identity crisis, lacking a strong public image. Too often, only a few people directly involved ever hear the details, and it’s too easy for people to overlook what they don’t know about.

We can help solve this identity problem by speaking up, writing, encouraging people and organizations doing good work, and helping people make connections so they can get involved. Think about your own work. You are sure to remember the times someone praised your work and told others about it. That’s the essence of advocacy—to speak out in favor of the important work people are doing.

Becoming an advocate usually doesn’t happen by chance. Developing a plan with specific actions and objectives is the best way to become a strong voice capable of speaking for others. There are three aspects in particular all of us can become involved in to promote using statistics to make a positive difference: organizational advocacy; public channels; and social media.

One of the best ways to get started as an advocate for D4G is to choose one organization that interests you, follow their work, and tell others about it. There are so many great groups such as Statistics Without Borders and DataKind. Many people will want to choose a local group, like those that sponsor community hackathons. Learn about what they do and tell your friends and colleagues about it. Organizational advocacy is a great way to get the message out about people making a real impact with Data for Good.

Another way people can be an advocate is through speaking and writing: hosting a blog; giving a presentation for a community organization; or writing a letter to the editor of a news outlet or magazine in your area.

Even a single letter to a local newspaper can have a lasting effect. This Stats4Good column traces its journalistic DNA to a letter to the editor. The first D4G piece I wrote for publication appeared in the Toledo Blade in 2010 in support of a school district my analysis had shown performed what could be expected from its modest means. There are many aspects of Data for Good well suited for a newspaper, magazine, or blog, including letting people know about an organization and their work; helping recruit volunteers; and developing community, financial, and logistical support outside the statistics space.

Data for Good activities can even be introduced at work. This can come up naturally when talking with people: “What are you doing this weekend?” “I’m participating in a hackathon on homelessness.” This kind of brief mention in casual conversation is called “raising the flag”—a quick mention to let people know you support Data for Good activities. Also, many of us participate in knowledge-sharing meetings, in which someone will share an interesting presentation or white paper to teach a new statistical method, in the 9-to-5 space. These can be great opportunities to introduce new science and get people talking about D4G.

For example, RTI’s work on arrest-related deaths describes the useful capture-recapture methodology for estimating hard-to-count populations from multiple independent samples. Some of the most important advances in statistical methods come from projects serving the greater good. So many statisticians and data scientists are eager to use their professional skills in community service that raising the flag at work can lead to conversations as much about Data for Good as the specific statistical method described.

Social media is another important channel for advocacy. Sharing posts, writing messages to encourage others, and reposting opportunities to get involved are important ways to promote D4G. LinkedIn recommendations for our D4G coworkers are another important way to get the word out, helping people and organizations gain a higher profile and present a clearer image of their mission and work.

Becoming an advocate for D4G activities fits everyone’s budget and calendar and goes a long way toward creating and shaping the public identity of Data for Good and the many participants in it. By supporting and encouraging the work of others, we put both science and service into action. This is the best we can accomplish, whatever the particular activities we choose to pursue. For we are all advocates—for each other and for the vision we share of a world in which our highest scientific abilities are put into service for the greater good.